Interviewing for NICU

Specialties NICU

Published

I have an interview next week for a NICU position. I'll definitely be reading over lots of the posts in this forum over the weekend, but in the meantime, can anyone give me an idea of what to expect at an interview? (I'm a new grad)

The nurse manager said on the phone, "I saw that most of your experience has been in the ED. Are you sure that this is what you want? NICU?" I responded right away that yes, I was interested, and a couple of Peds ER nurses I worked with suggested NICU to me. (Now I have to try to remember why! That was six months ago...)

I really do want this job, so I have to get my head together with why I want it, what I can bring to the unit, and questions I have. Luckily this is the hospital where I did a one-day NICU rotation during school, so I have some idea of what it's like.

ANY advice of any kind is really appreciated! There aren't many new grad opportunities around here, so I was thrilled to see something I'm really interested in posted.

JulieRN07

75 Posts

Specializes in med/surg.

When I was preparing for my interview, I practiced the basic interview questions and made sure I had a reasonable answer for them. Like...

-tell me about yourself

-what are your strengths/weaknesses

-how do you handle stress

-how do you handle conflicts with coworkers

I also wanted to make sure I knew why I was choosing the NICU-and I think every nurse has a different reason for working there.

My hospital is very big on family centered care, (where we allow the parents to be involved in the baby's care as much as possible) so I made sure I knew about what that meant and that I agreed with it.

Just remember- since you are a new grad- the manager doesn't/shouldn't expect you to be an expert on babies, so don't let that intimidate you. Dress nice, be confident and knowledgable in your answers, and you will do great!

Good Luck to you!!!!

+ Add a Comment